Meeting Minutes

USSVI BONEFISH BASE

(SS-223) and (SS-582)

Redlands California

January 27, 2018

OUR CREED:

Our organization’s purpose is “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its Constitution.

In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, we shall provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mutual benefit and enjoyment. Our common heritage as Submariners shall be strengthened by camaraderie. We support a strong U.S. Submarine Force.

The organization will engage in various projects and deeds that will bring about the perpetual remembrance of those shipmates who have given the supreme sacrifice. The organization will also endeavor to educate all third parties it comes in contact with about the services our submarine brothers performed and how their sacrifices made possible the freedom and lifestyle we enjoy today.”

1200 Hours:

At the sound of the klaxon, Commander Daryl Brock convened the meeting of the Bonefish Base. Joe Canchola, George Riolo, and Fred Tredy read Our Creed. Gene Adams was asked to lead members present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Don Noyes gave the opening prayer.

Tolling of the Boats:

The following boats were lost during the month of November and December.

USS Scorpion (SS -278)

Lost on January 5, 1944 with the loss of 77 officers and men in the East China Sea, on her 4th war patrol. It is assumed she was sunk by a mine.

USS Argonaut (SS-166)

Lost on January 10, 1943 with the loss of 102 officers and men off Rabaum while on her 3rd war patrol. While attacking a convoy, she torpedoed a Jap destroyer who along with 2 other destroyers depth charged her. As she tried to surface, the destroyers sunk her by gun fire.

USS Swordfish (SS-193)

Lost on January 12, 1945 with the loss of 89 officers and men somewhere near Okinawa while on her 13th war patrol. Probably was lost to a mine.

USS S-36 (SS-141)

Lost on January 20, 1949 with no loss of life while on her 2nd war patrol. She ran hard aground on a reef and radioed for help. The entire crew was rescued by a Dutch ship after they scuttled her.

USS S-26 (SS-131)

Lost on January 24, 1942 with the loss of 46 officers and men in the Gulf of Panama during her second war patrol. She was rammed by the USS PC 460 and sunk within seconds. The CO, XO and one lookout on the bridge were the only survivors

Guest/Member Introductions:

Commander Brock introduced guests present and provided the opportunity for all Bonefish Base members present to introduce themselves and note the Submarine on which they had qualified.

Minutes:

Commander Brock informed members present that the Bonefish Base Meeting minutes of December 9, 2017 had been posted on the website and the Secretary had copies for anyone wishing to review them. Hearing no requests for additions, deletions, and/or corrections, Commander Brock declared the Minutes of December 9, 2017 approved as printed.

Hearing no requests for additions, deletions, and/or corrections, Commander Brock declared the Treasurer’s report for the months of November/December 2017 approved as printed.

Binnacle List:

Dennis Fuqua

Allan Kilpatrick

Old Business:

Chief of the Boat Frank Campbell presented the slate of officers for election in February 2018.

Base Commander: Daryl Brock

Senior Vicd Commander: Gene Adams

Junior Vice Commander: Dan Rowland

Secretary: Izar Martinez

Treasurer: Brick Noyes

New Business:

Commander Brock informed the membership that he had renewed the Bluehost web hosting for a period of two (2) years and paid personally at a cost of $287. The motion was made seconded and unanimously approved to reimburse Commander Brock in the amount of $287.

Awards Ceremony:

Commander4 Brock presented the following awards:

Holland Club Membership Rockers:

David Sullivan 70 years

Don Noyes 65 years

John Beckett 55 years

Charles Orman Jr. 55 years

USSVI Longevity;

Dan Rowland 5 years

Fred Tredy 10 years

Columba O’Gorman 10 years

Frank Campbell 15 years

George Riolo 20 years

Program: Commander Brock informed the members present that the Program for this particular meeting was postponed until the February meeting due to the illness of presenters Bob Dunn.

Welcome to USS Bonefish Base!

USS Bonefish Base is a chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI).

USSVI has over 13,000 members nationwide. We meet on the 4th Saturday of each month at Zacatecas Café, 3767 Iowa Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507. Meetings begin at 1200, but come early and share a sea story or two. We usually enjoy a nice lunch together after the meeting. Visitors are welcome to attend.

Bonefish Base is located in Redlands, California, but our members reside all over the Inland Empire. We are always seeking new members in our area and if you are a veteran, retiree, or active duty member who is “Qualified in Submarines” we'd be honored to have you Join Our Base!

We chose our name after the Gato Class submarine USS Bonefish (SS-223) and Barbel Class submarine USS Bonefish (SS-582). You can read about their history here.